<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<rss version="2.0"
	xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
	xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
	xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
	xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
	xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
	xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
	>

<channel>
	<title>Alicante, Spain</title>
	<atom:link href="http://alcjourneys.com/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://alcjourneys.com</link>
	<description>We start our journeys from here</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Tue, 29 May 2012 13:16:08 +0000</lastBuildDate>
	<language>en</language>
	<sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod>
	<sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency>
	<generator>http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2</generator>
		<item>
		<title>ESSENTIAL AMSTERDAM</title>
		<link>http://alcjourneys.com/2012/05/essential-amsterdam/</link>
		<comments>http://alcjourneys.com/2012/05/essential-amsterdam/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 25 May 2012 16:36:48 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Travel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Travel Blog]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://alcjourneys.com/?p=755</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[ESSENTIAL AMSTERDAM The country code is 31. Bike like a local. Amsterdam is one of the most bike &#8211; friendly cities in the world, with paths throughout its center. Rent a bike at MacBike (macbike.nl), which also offers tours, including one that highlights the modern architecture of the Eastern Docklands. Cruise the canals. The other [...]


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://alcjourneys.com/2012/05/amsterdam/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: AMSTERDAM'>AMSTERDAM</a> <small>The Dutch capital celebrates its historic treasures even as it...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://alcjourneys.com/2012/05/it-s-the-new-black/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: It s the new black'>It s the new black</a> <small>He points to the work of local designer Pepe Heykoop,...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://alcjourneys.com/2011/09/baan-laem-sor-koh-samui-thailand/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Baan Laem Sor, Koh Samui, Thailand'>Baan Laem Sor, Koh Samui, Thailand</a> <small>Really escape from it all on your next vacation and...</small></li>
</ol>

Related posts brought to you by <a href='http://mitcho.com/code/yarpp/'>Yet Another Related Posts Plugin</a>.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>ESSENTIAL AMSTERDAM The country code is 31.</strong></p>
<p>Bike like a local. <a href="http://alcjourneys.com/2012/05/it-s-the-new-black/">Amsterdam</a> is one of the most bike &#8211; friendly cities in the world, with paths throughout its center. Rent a bike at MacBike (macbike.nl), which also offers tours, including one that highlights the modern architecture of the Eastern Docklands. Cruise the canals. The other favored way to get around in this watery city is by boat. Hop on one from Canal Bus (canal.nl/bus) or rent your own (privateboattours.nl).</p>
<p>Do the Nine Streets. This shopping &#8211; centric area (theninestreets.com) offers a lively mix of cafes and boutiques, like Van Ravenstein (Keizersgracht 359), with fashions by Dries Van Noten and Viktor &amp; Rolf, and DR Wonen (Hartenstraat 27), a cool home shop.<span id="more-755"></span></p>
<h3>WHAT TO SEE</h3>
<p>Eye Film Institute, IJpromenade 1, 20-589-1400; eyefilm.nl: This futuristic &#8211; looking center in North Amsterdam is the city s latest architectural and cultural icon. On offer: topnotch film programs and a stylish restaurant. Museum of the Amsterdam Canals, Herengracht 386; hetgrachtenhuis.nl: For insight into the cityoriginal urban planning, check out the newly renovated Het Grachtenhuis museum, which celebrates the engineering and creation of Amsterdam s historic canals and townhouses.</p>
<p>Museumplein: A verdant square near the city center is the setting for three world-class museums: the Stedelijk contemporary art and design museum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Rijks &#8211; museum, home to RembrandtNight Wotch and VermeerKitchen Moid.</p>
<p><strong>WHERETO STAY</strong></p>
<p>Andaz Amsterdam, Prinsengrocht 587. 20-523-1234; ondazomsterdom.com: Marcel Wandersmuch &#8211; anticipated luxe boutique hotel opens this summer in the city s former library. Conservatorium Hotel, Van Baerle &#8211; straot 27, 20-570-0000; conservato riumhotel.com: A luxury property with 129 rooms and suites, stellar service, an expansive spa, and a hard &#8211; to &#8211; beat location across from the Museumplein. The Dylan, Keizersgracht 384, 20-530-2010; dylanamsterdam.com: Connected historic canal houses accommodate an elegant boutique hotel thatjust undergone a handsome renovation by local talent FG Stijl. Ita chic spot for &#8220;high wine&#8221; —four half glasses matched with innovative small plates from the hotelMichelin &#8211; star restaurant.</p>
<p>Grand Hotel Amrath Amsterdam,</p>
<p>Prins Hendrikkade 108, 20-552-0000; amrathamsterdam.com: The Art Deco details of this former shipping house have been meticulously preserved, but the rooms are spacious, with a modern take on Art Nouveau style. Those on the upper floors offer stunning water views.</p>
<p>Miauw Suites, Hartenstraat 34, 646-036-688; miauw.com: In the heart of the Nine Streets, each of four suites boasts big windows overlooking the canal, pastel lacquered floors, and a desktop Mac.</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://alcjourneys.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/19_d.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-757" title="amsterdam" src="http://alcjourneys.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/19_d-300x224.jpg" alt="amsterdam" width="300" height="224" /></a>WHERETO EAT</strong></p>
<p>Blue Pepper, Nassaukade 366,20-489-7039; restaurantbluepepper .com: Excellent Indonesian dishes with a modern twist (soft-shell crab with mango; codfish with lemongrass). Bolenius, George Gershwinlaan 30, 20-404-4411; bolenius &#8211; restaurant.nl: Chef Luc K?sters is getting raves for his new Amsterdam cuisine (monkfish with smoked eel and guacamole).</p>
<p>De Culinaire Werkplaats, Fannius Scholtenstroat 10, 654-646-576; deculinairewerkplaats.nl: At this stylish eatery, a five-course meal highlights seasonal vegetables and fruits. Gartine, Taksteeg 7,20-320-4132; gortine.nl: A tiny caf? that uses local ingredients, Gartine is a popular spot for high tea and pastries.</p>
<p>Grand Caf? &#8211; Restaurant 1e klas, Cen &#8211; traal Station, 20-625-0131; restaurant 1eklas.nl: This bustling caf? in Centraal Station is a practical meeting place for coffee and cake amid an outstanding Arts and Crafts interior.</p>
<p>Momo, Hobbemastraat 1,20-671-7474; momo &#8211; amsterdam.nl:The mod,</p>
<p>Asian &#8211; inspired boite is packed with a youthful, trendy crowd nibbling foie gras rolls and sipping sage &#8211; pineapple margaritas.</p>
<p>Restaurant Anna, Warmoesstroat 111, 20-428-1111; restourantonna.nl: A sleek space with an open kitchen that offers innovative European cuisine; the terrace is the place to be in good weather. Restaurant Lastage, Geldersekade 29, 20-737-0811; restaurantlastage.nl:</p>
<p>An ambitious restaurant on the edge of the red &#8211; light district, Lastage was recently awarded a Michelin star. Rijsel Rotisserie, Marcusstraat 52B, 20-463-2142; rijsel.com: A new bistro serving simple, hearty French country fare, such as poulet a I estrogon with potatoes roasted in goose fat.</p>
<p><strong>WHERETO SHOP</strong></p>
<p>Droog, Staalstraat 7b, 20-523-5059; droog.com: The pioneering firm that introduced the Dutch design movement to the world also runs a must &#8211; see shop and gallery.</p>
<p>Eduard Kramer Antique Tiles, Nieuwe Spiegelstraat 64, 20-623-0832; antique &#8211; tileshop.nl: Antique tiles dating back to the 13th century jam this closet &#8211; sizeshop.</p>
<p>Friday Next, Overtoom 31,20-612-3292; fridaynext.com: The brainchild of two interior designers, this 4,000 &#8211; square &#8211; foot space is filled with an eclectic mix of vintage furnishings, modern Dutch design, and hip fashion accessories. The Frozen Fountain, Prinsengrocht 645, 20-622-9375; frozenfountain.nl: This legendary shop sells a dynamic mix of contemporary furniture and ceramics, as well as charming tea towels. Moooi Amsterdam, Westerstraat 187, 20-528-7760; moooi &#8211; gallery.com: Enter the playful world of Moooi. where whimsical lighting and mod furniture is on full, eye-catching display.</p>
<p>The Otherist, Leliegracht 6, 20-320-0420; otherist.com: The pair of San Francisco expatriates who operate this shop have filled the small space with all the objects that have caught their fancy —from a cardboard moose head to ceramic glove molds to mounted butterflies.</p>
<p>Pols Potten, KNSM &#8211; laan 39,20-419-3541; www.polspotten.nl: A quirky design emporium of furniture, tableware. and accessories thatworth the trip to the Eastern Docklands area. Restored, Haarlemmerdijk 39,20-337-64 73; restored.nl: A design &#8211; concept shop specializing in the work of up-and-coming talents.</p>
<p>Store Without a Home, Haarlem  merdijk 26, 65-474-3062; storewith outahome.com: Amsterdamroving design shop has finally found a home on a lively street near Centraal Station.</p>
<p>I think many students understand that not every one of them will be able to write high-quality and competent essay. But what to do in such cases, is not it possible to leave school? I think not, you can simply <a href="http://www.essay4you.net/buy-argumentative-essay.php">argumentative essay</a> in a special service. They all do, and will draw bytsro and competently. Just cook for their money.</p>


<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://alcjourneys.com/2012/05/amsterdam/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: AMSTERDAM'>AMSTERDAM</a> <small>The Dutch capital celebrates its historic treasures even as it...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://alcjourneys.com/2012/05/it-s-the-new-black/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: It s the new black'>It s the new black</a> <small>He points to the work of local designer Pepe Heykoop,...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://alcjourneys.com/2011/09/baan-laem-sor-koh-samui-thailand/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Baan Laem Sor, Koh Samui, Thailand'>Baan Laem Sor, Koh Samui, Thailand</a> <small>Really escape from it all on your next vacation and...</small></li>
</ol></p>
<p>Related posts brought to you by <a href='http://mitcho.com/code/yarpp/'>Yet Another Related Posts Plugin</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://alcjourneys.com/2012/05/essential-amsterdam/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>It s the new black</title>
		<link>http://alcjourneys.com/2012/05/it-s-the-new-black/</link>
		<comments>http://alcjourneys.com/2012/05/it-s-the-new-black/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 25 May 2012 16:10:15 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Europe]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://alcjourneys.com/?p=744</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[He points to the work of local designer Pepe Heykoop, whose futuristic furniture includes armchairs found on the street that are then covered with leftover leather. It s young creative types like Heykoop who are also helping to pioneer the cityfringes. His studio is located in North Amsterdam, a large industrial neighborhood across the IJ [...]


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://alcjourneys.com/2012/05/essential-amsterdam/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: ESSENTIAL AMSTERDAM'>ESSENTIAL AMSTERDAM</a> <small>ESSENTIAL AMSTERDAM The country code is 31. Bike like a...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://alcjourneys.com/2012/05/amsterdam/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: AMSTERDAM'>AMSTERDAM</a> <small>The Dutch capital celebrates its historic treasures even as it...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://alcjourneys.com/2011/11/enjoy-indonesian-cuisines-in-the-best-restaurant-in-bandung/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Enjoy Indonesian Cuisines in the Best Restaurant in Bandung'>Enjoy Indonesian Cuisines in the Best Restaurant in Bandung</a> <small>If you plan to spend your vacation in Bandung, Indonesia,...</small></li>
</ol>

Related posts brought to you by <a href='http://mitcho.com/code/yarpp/'>Yet Another Related Posts Plugin</a>.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>He points to the work of local designer Pepe Heykoop, whose futuristic furniture includes armchairs found on the street that are then covered with leftover leather.</p>
<p>It s young creative types like Heykoop who are also helping to pioneer the cityfringes. His studio is located in <strong>North Amsterdam</strong>, a large industrial neighborhood across the IJ river from Ccntraal Station that feels a bit like Williamsburg, Brooklyn, did in the late 1980s. Developing this still raw district, along with the Eastern Docklands, has been key to moving the city back to the water.<span id="more-744"></span></p>
<p>In terms of architecture, <a href="http://alcjourneys.com/2012/05/amsterdam/">Amsterdam</a> has recently entered yet another one of its golden ages, the seeds for which were planted about 30 years ago. In the ’s, forward &#8211; thinking urban planners began to spearhead a gradual return to the waterfront. Iconic buildings, such as the Nemo science center by Renzo Piano, have been popping up along the IJ riveredge over the last decade. The most striking structure is the Eye Film Institute, which opened in April. Designed by the Austrian firm Delugan Meissl, it perches over the water like a futuristic white butterfly. The Eye has managed to convince even the most skeptical local to accept the fact that North Amsterdam is now officially a hot new part of the city.</p>
<p>is harvesting right now,”says Maarten Kloos, director of ARCAM, Amsterdamcenter for architecture, whose own curvaceous structure overlooks the harbor. there are some serious economic problems for architects and developers, we are now seeing the results of the wealth of the city before the financial crisis.”</p>
<p><a href="http://alcjourneys.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/houses_along_the_ams.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-751" title="amsterdam" src="http://alcjourneys.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/houses_along_the_ams-300x200.jpg" alt="amsterdam" width="300" height="200" /></a>There may be an exciting mix of tastcmakcrs shaking up the fringes, but <strong>Amsterdam</strong> fairytale center continually beckons. Some of the citymost avant-garde talents, such as the young fashion designer Iris van Hcrpcn, still prefer to work in the old part of the city. Van Herpen, who made her mark on the international fashion scene with her otherworldly, sculptural gowns, which have been worn by Bjork and Lady Gaga, likes to stroll along the harbor, where her new atelier is located; the cityhistoric architecture inspires her, she says, as docs the feeling that everything, from vice to virtue, is out in the open for all to sec. is transparent,”she says. exist all over the world, but here itnot hidden. The same goes for other things, like politics. Itnice to have that around you.”</p>
<p>The red &#8211; light district, De Wallen, in fact, is becoming a popular draw for a new generation, as the Dutch government is helping to upgrade the area rather than eradicate it. Rob Wagcmans, the founder of the hip design firm Concrete, chose to move the companyheadquarters to the heart of the area. until now the red &#8211; light district has been very lowbrow,”says Wagemans. city wants to mix in some high-end culture to attract a more interesting crowd.”</p>
<p>A sexy, high &#8211; low mix is already starting to happen with the recent openings of two trendy restaurants in De Wallen: Restaurant Anna, a spare, handsome space, and Restaurant Lastage, a more formal dining room overseen by chef Rogicr van Dam that has earned a Mi &#8211; chelin star. Concretenext project is a striptease club geared toward, Wagemans says, a star traveler, with cool interiors and performance thaterotic and theatrical.”</p>
<p>Still, Wagemans warns that the changes in the red &#8211; light district shouldnbe too drastic. is still sex, drugs, and rock ’roll, and we shouldnlose that,”he says. if you never actually engage in any of it, the fact that ithere creates freedom. It gives you the feeling that everything is possible.”</p>
<p>Do you like flowers? That I personally just love, they reflect the most wonderful thing in this world. If you think that this is not the case, look at the wonderful<a href="http://flowers-photos.net/"> flowers photos</a> and you&#8217;ll understand what I mean. Of course, much depends on the photographer, but live they areeven better.</p>


<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://alcjourneys.com/2012/05/essential-amsterdam/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: ESSENTIAL AMSTERDAM'>ESSENTIAL AMSTERDAM</a> <small>ESSENTIAL AMSTERDAM The country code is 31. Bike like a...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://alcjourneys.com/2012/05/amsterdam/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: AMSTERDAM'>AMSTERDAM</a> <small>The Dutch capital celebrates its historic treasures even as it...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://alcjourneys.com/2011/11/enjoy-indonesian-cuisines-in-the-best-restaurant-in-bandung/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Enjoy Indonesian Cuisines in the Best Restaurant in Bandung'>Enjoy Indonesian Cuisines in the Best Restaurant in Bandung</a> <small>If you plan to spend your vacation in Bandung, Indonesia,...</small></li>
</ol></p>
<p>Related posts brought to you by <a href='http://mitcho.com/code/yarpp/'>Yet Another Related Posts Plugin</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://alcjourneys.com/2012/05/it-s-the-new-black/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>ALL-STAR LINEUP</title>
		<link>http://alcjourneys.com/2012/05/all-star-lineup/</link>
		<comments>http://alcjourneys.com/2012/05/all-star-lineup/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 25 May 2012 16:04:47 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Travel Blog]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://alcjourneys.com/?p=745</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[A decorator at the top of his or her game knows just when to hold back —and when to go full throttle. The goal may be to soothe or dazzle, the place may be haute or humble, but a skillful designer is always completely engaged and in control.He is roundly celebrated for his sparse, timeless [...]


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://alcjourneys.com/2011/08/how-to-find-a-five-star-hotel-in-moscow/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: How To Find a Five-Star Hotel in Moscow'>How To Find a Five-Star Hotel in Moscow</a> <small>For some visitors to Moscow, it is not enough just...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://alcjourneys.com/2012/05/amsterdam/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: AMSTERDAM'>AMSTERDAM</a> <small>The Dutch capital celebrates its historic treasures even as it...</small></li>
</ol>

Related posts brought to you by <a href='http://mitcho.com/code/yarpp/'>Yet Another Related Posts Plugin</a>.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>A decorator at the top of his or her game knows just when to hold back —and when to go full throttle. The goal may be to soothe or dazzle, the place may be haute or humble, but a skillful designer is always completely engaged and in control.He is roundly celebrated for his sparse, timeless interiors, but designer Stephen Sills is not one to rest on his laurels. rooms date, even if they are as good as they can be, even if done in a classical way,”says the soft-spoken Oklahoma native. is one of interior designgreatest fallacies. There really isna space that couldnuse a makeover every now and then.”</p>
<p>For this designer, whose credits include the venerable St. Regis hotels in New York and Washington, D.C., and the Connaught in London, a once &#8211; in &#8211; a &#8211; while redo covers a very different time frame than it might for less rigorous designers. Think every two decades or more —a lifetime in the trend &#8211; chasing world of interior design.<span id="more-745"></span></p>
<p>Thathow long it has been since Sills first transformed the Manhattan penthouse of his longtime clients and close friends Barbara Cirkva and John Schumacher. Back in the early 1990s —before the designer installed multiple Corinthian columns, a porthole window in the foyer, and muscular molding throughout, turning the space into an extraordinary neoclassical palaz &#8211; zo —the apartment was a scries of big rooms with high ceilings and no architectural detailing or embellishments. , the tiled floor, which still works so well, was there,”he says.</p>
<p>His clients, Italophilcs for whom Sills stood as witness when they exchanged marriage vows in Rome, wanted their Upper East Side place to take them back there every day. and I have traveled all over Italy; every August we book the same room in the same hotel in Capri, and get the same view!”Cirkva says with a laugh.</p>
<p>Not that the couple arc resistant to a change of scene. After living in a home rendered in a rich, lush palette and filled with 19th &#8211; century furnishings, they wanted to lighten things up. find that people are gravitating to a more spare look,”says Sills, only pieces they really cherish and setting it all in a monochromatic color scheme. Itthe fashion in decoration right now.”</p>
<p><a href="http://alcjourneys.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/1268170741_3987_350.jpeg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-747" title=" ALL-STAR LINEUP" src="http://alcjourneys.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/1268170741_3987_350-300x300.jpg" alt=" ALL-STAR LINEUP" width="300" height="300" /></a>Cirkva, who presides over <strong>Chanelfashion</strong>, fine jewelry, and watch collections in the U.S., and Schumacher, a former fashion executive who now runs Fleur, their garden antiques shop in Mount Kisco, <strong>New York</strong>, both know a thing or two about changing tastes. Cirkva oversees six ready-to-wear lines and two couture collections every year, and points to the core beauty and simplicity of the Chanel label as the key to the fashion houseenduring appeal in such a trend &#8211; driven business. same principles,”she says, to an interior.”</p>
<p>What turned out to be a major redecoration of every room began as a simple refreshing of the style and color palette. Cirkva found that the bedroomceladon walls, plum carpet, and green side tables festooned with Venetian flowers had become too dark and overtly feminine for her taste. Striking the perfect balance of opulence, rigor, and surprise, Sills combined a soft palette and sharply edited antiques with an energetic Robert Kelly stripe painting that seems to be begging the garden sphinx in front of it to stand up. Itclassic Sills, seamlessly moving through centuries without missing a beat.</p>
<p>In the living room, the designer toned down the parchment and goldenrod walls, traded out heavy gold silk &#8211; taffeta curtains for the same design in lighter &#8211; weight linen, and painted the fireplace and terra-cotta mirrors above it to mimic stone. An 18th &#8211; century cabinet and a collection of 19th &#8211; century studio drawings mix effortlessly with a pair of graphic vintage French floor lamps that sits where a pair of pink porcelain Napoleon III ones used to be. Convinced that the dining room fitted nicely into the new design scheme, Cirkva lived with it for a year before she admitted it wasnworking at all. Down came the Empire bronze chandelier, away went the early &#8211; 19th &#8211; century table, and in their place a bronze pendant now hangs over a minimalist, Sills &#8211; designed table. But the designer will only simplify so much; he set a pair of Puglian urns beneath twin gilded sconces, giving the room his signature dose of gravitas.</p>
<p>Paring back so decisively might challenge your average client &#8211; decorator relationship, but Cirkva and Sills have developed a design shorthand after a decades &#8211; long friendship. not very forthcoming,”she says, he is always observing and taking everything in like a sponge. Watching the way my husband and I interact socially —it gives him invaluable information about how we like to live.”</p>
<p>Indeed, Sillspowers of observation —particularly when it comes to contemporary art —have a huge influence on his interior design language. always analyze modern art, looking to decipher who are the greats and who are simply fashionable. Are works by Christopher Wool or Richard Prince simply beautiful to look at or are they transcendent?”he ponders. For her part, Cirkva is thrilled with the aesthetic moment Sills finds himself in right now.</p>
<p>nothing like walking into your home and being surprised and delighted every time,”she says.</p>


<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://alcjourneys.com/2011/08/how-to-find-a-five-star-hotel-in-moscow/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: How To Find a Five-Star Hotel in Moscow'>How To Find a Five-Star Hotel in Moscow</a> <small>For some visitors to Moscow, it is not enough just...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://alcjourneys.com/2012/05/amsterdam/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: AMSTERDAM'>AMSTERDAM</a> <small>The Dutch capital celebrates its historic treasures even as it...</small></li>
</ol></p>
<p>Related posts brought to you by <a href='http://mitcho.com/code/yarpp/'>Yet Another Related Posts Plugin</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://alcjourneys.com/2012/05/all-star-lineup/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>AMSTERDAM</title>
		<link>http://alcjourneys.com/2012/05/amsterdam/</link>
		<comments>http://alcjourneys.com/2012/05/amsterdam/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 25 May 2012 15:58:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Europe]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://alcjourneys.com/?p=739</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The Dutch capital celebrates its historic treasures even as it breaks new ground with cutting &#8211; edge architecture, playful design, and inventive cuisine BY GISELA WILLIAMS In the warm summer months, when the sun sparkles on Amsterdamnarrow canals, the owners of the cityfamously crooked, gabled townhouses drag their sofas outside and turn the sidewalk into [...]


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://alcjourneys.com/2012/05/essential-amsterdam/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: ESSENTIAL AMSTERDAM'>ESSENTIAL AMSTERDAM</a> <small>ESSENTIAL AMSTERDAM The country code is 31. Bike like a...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://alcjourneys.com/2012/05/it-s-the-new-black/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: It s the new black'>It s the new black</a> <small>He points to the work of local designer Pepe Heykoop,...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://alcjourneys.com/2012/05/all-star-lineup/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: ALL-STAR LINEUP'>ALL-STAR LINEUP</a> <small>A decorator at the top of his or her game...</small></li>
</ol>

Related posts brought to you by <a href='http://mitcho.com/code/yarpp/'>Yet Another Related Posts Plugin</a>.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Dutch capital celebrates its historic treasures even as it breaks new ground with cutting &#8211; edge architecture, playful design, and inventive cuisine</p>
<p><strong>BY GISELA WILLIAMS</strong></p>
<p>In the warm summer months, when the sun sparkles on Amsterdamnarrow canals, the owners of the cityfamously crooked, gabled townhouses drag their sofas outside and turn the sidewalk into their living room. Amsterdamers are not at all self-conscious about making their private spaces public; after all, most of the windows here donhave curtains.</p>
<p>the foreigners use curtains,”says Colin P. Finnegan of FG Stijl, an interior design firm that handled the recent renovation of one of the citytop boutique hotels, the Dylan. trend is thought to date back to the Reformation, when the country was converting from Catholic to Protestant,”Finnegan explains. closed curtains, it meant you might be praying at the dining room table. No curtains says, very open. I have nothing to hide.’It makes for great fun as you walk along the canals and peek inside.”<span id="more-739"></span></p>
<p>Thatwhat one first notices about <strong>Amsterdam</strong> picture &#8211; perfect center: Although the 800 &#8211; ycar &#8211; old city is pristinely maintained, itvery much lived in. In fact, now that the Dutch government has been cracking down on some of the city s famous marijuana &#8211; dispensing Ecoffee shops, the big concern of the moment is that the Dutch government wants things too perfect. donwant to be called the Venice of the North anymore,”says interior designer Edward van Vlict. have to be careful that our city doesnturn into a museum.”</p>
<p>But Van Vliet isnreally that worried. What saves <strong>Amsterdam</strong> from looking like a historic village preserved in a snow globe is the fact that it has always been a city adept at mixing old with new. Two of its most beloved museums —the Stedelijk and the Rijksmuseum —are being drastically reinvented for the 21st century, and will reopen in the next year. Both are located, along with the Van Gogh Museum, on the Museumplein, a grassy, open park bordering Amsterdamelegant Old South neighborhood. This fall the Stedelijk will move into its renovated digs, now twice the original size thanks to a sleek white annex designed by Benthem Crouwel. For the first time the museum will be able to show off its extensive collection, which includes some 8,000 objects and 50,000 works of graphic design. The castle &#8211; like 19th &#8211; century Rijksmuseum building, originally designed by the legendary Dutch architect Pierre Cuypers, has managed to keep some of its iconic masterpieces, including RembrandtNight Watch, on display in the Philips wing, while work is completed on the main building. The renovation, by Spanish architects Antonio Cruz and Antonio Ortiz, restores Cuypersoriginal layout and provides more exhibition space and several modern additions, including a new Asian pavilion.</p>
<p><a href="http://alcjourneys.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/p213817-Amsterdam-I_amsterdam.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-742" title="AMSTERDAM" src="http://alcjourneys.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/p213817-Amsterdam-I_amsterdam-300x225.jpg" alt="AMSTERDAM" width="300" height="225" /></a>But itnot just the citymuseums that are being reinvented. One of the things that Amsterdam is extremely good at is repurposing t&gt; historic buildings and turning them into stylish, up-to-the-minute hotels. The most anticipated hotel opening of 2012 is the Andaz Amsterdam, a former library on Prinsengracht, which is being transformed by local talent Marcel Wanders. Wanders says the interiors will play off the fact that the building has two very different fa?ades: a concrete one from the 1970s and, on the other side, a series of connected historic canal townhouses. look,”Wanders assures, be anything but another minimal design hotel.”</p>
<p>Meanwhile, the new Conservatorium Hotel, designed by Piero Lissoni and perfectly situated across the street from the Stcdclijk, takes luxury to the nth degree. The building started out as a bank in the 1900s and then became a school of music (hence the name). The meticulously restored west fa?ade has been enclosed in an enormous glass box, creating a soaring, light &#8211; filled atrium that holds the lobby and the buzzing Conservatorium Brasserie.</p>
<p>From the moment it opened last December, the Conservatorium has been drawing old &#8211; moncy Amstcrdamcrs, a group notoriously hard to please, to its main dining room, Tunes, which is overseen by one of the Netherlands’most celebrated chefs, Schilo van Coevor &#8211; den. Heat the helm of Amsterdamburgeoning culinary scene, serving up beautifully executed dishes —inspired by his world travels and a three &#8211; year stint in Spain —that use mostly local ingredients. I was in Spain I had dinner with Ferran Adri? [of El Bulli],”Van Coevordcn recalls. told me, have the best oysters and lamb, and incredible cheese.’He made me appreciate how much fantastic produce we have in the Netherlands. Amsterdam is starting to develop its own style of cuisine.”</p>
<p>The cityculinary talents might be just starting to blaze a trail forward, but the countrydesign stars have long since colonized the world. Thanks in part to the influential Design Academy Eindhoven, the Netherlands has produced a plethora of cutting &#8211; edge designers, including Wanders, Hella Jongerius, and Jurgen Bey. Their work, along with some of the latest creations from the countrynext generation, can be found throughout the city. Two of the most notable decor meccas are Droog, a collective founded in 1993, and the Frozen Fountain, still making waves in its 20th year.</p>
<p>At their two &#8211; story space on Prinsengracht, the Frozen Fountainowners, Cok de Rooy and Dick Dankers, continue to sell old favorites, like Piet Hein Eekrepurposed wood tables, but they also offer newfound objects that catch their discriminating eye. you surround yourself with things you love,”Dankers says, creates magic. Everyone asks me about trends. And you know what? The trend now is that there are no more trends. Thatvery liberating.”</p>
<p>There are, of course, new emporiums by the dozen, including the bohemian &#8211; chic concept shop Friday Next on the flourishing Over &#8211; toom, and the sprawling Pols Potten in the Eastern Docklands. Before it finally found a permanent location last month, on Haarlemmerdijk, the Store Without a Home, a pop-up shop founded by Janwillcm Sandcrsc, was more difficult to locate. An interior designer with a lot of ambition to promote young talent but without much seed money, Sanderse had been taking his quirky furnishings and fashions with him from one temporary, affordable location to another since the summer of 2010. And-coming designers are no longer just following the path of one master,”Sandcrsc says. use a variety of inspirations, such as heritage brands or their grandmothercrochet work, and try.</p>


<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://alcjourneys.com/2012/05/essential-amsterdam/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: ESSENTIAL AMSTERDAM'>ESSENTIAL AMSTERDAM</a> <small>ESSENTIAL AMSTERDAM The country code is 31. Bike like a...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://alcjourneys.com/2012/05/it-s-the-new-black/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: It s the new black'>It s the new black</a> <small>He points to the work of local designer Pepe Heykoop,...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://alcjourneys.com/2012/05/all-star-lineup/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: ALL-STAR LINEUP'>ALL-STAR LINEUP</a> <small>A decorator at the top of his or her game...</small></li>
</ol></p>
<p>Related posts brought to you by <a href='http://mitcho.com/code/yarpp/'>Yet Another Related Posts Plugin</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://alcjourneys.com/2012/05/amsterdam/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Beauty of New Zealand</title>
		<link>http://alcjourneys.com/2012/05/beauty-of-new-zealand/</link>
		<comments>http://alcjourneys.com/2012/05/beauty-of-new-zealand/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 21 May 2012 15:39:56 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Travel Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[New Zealand]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Travel]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://alcjourneys.com/?p=720</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Many numbers of people like to go to many different places to enjoy the beauty and the attractions it has. When the holiday comes, they go to new place that they want to visit for seeing many attractions and getting the entertainment from it. By travelling to many places, people can get more experiences and [...]


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://alcjourneys.com/2011/08/five-top-holiday-destinations-for-you-this-vacation/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Five Top Holiday Destinations for You This Vacation'>Five Top Holiday Destinations for You This Vacation</a> <small>There are numerous vacation destinations in this world where you...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://alcjourneys.com/2012/05/going-on-vacation-to-bulgaria/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Going on Vacation to Bulgaria'>Going on Vacation to Bulgaria</a> <small>A lot of activities that we have bring us to...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://alcjourneys.com/2011/10/get-your-best-vacation-in-montreal/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Get Your Best Vacation in Montreal'>Get Your Best Vacation in Montreal</a> <small>If today you want to have vacation in Montreal, of...</small></li>
</ol>

Related posts brought to you by <a href='http://mitcho.com/code/yarpp/'>Yet Another Related Posts Plugin</a>.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Many numbers of people like to go to many different places to enjoy the beauty and the attractions it has. When the holiday comes, they go to new place that they want to visit for seeing many attractions and getting the entertainment from it. By travelling to many places, people can get more experiences and people can learn a lot of things from the culture and history of the place. In addition, there will be new views that can be seen so that from the views the mind can have relaxation. Furthermore, if you also do like to have vacation to many places, and you have not decide yet the destination that you are going to visit for your next vacation, you can get many references of countries with good attractions from the internet. One of the suggested destinations that you can visit for your next vacation is <strong>New Zealand</strong>.<span id="more-720"></span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><a style="color: #ed1e24; text-decoration: underline; line-height: 18px;" href="http://alcjourneys.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/741399_f520.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-722" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial;" title="741399_f520" src="http://alcjourneys.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/741399_f520-300x226.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="226" /></a></p>
<p>New Zealand has a lot of attractions that are very interesting so that visiting <a href="http://alcjourneys.com/2012/05/beauty-of-new-zealand/">New Zealand</a> is a great choice for you to have on the next holiday. There are various spots in the country that can be visited and you will get the best entertainment for your vacation. Visiting the country with your friends and families will bring you to the more and more enjoyment. In addition, for the references of spot that you have to visit while you are in New Zealand are as follows. In the country you can not miss to visit Auckland. This is a city of sails which offers spirit of modern city where you can find many entertainments. Moreover, Wellington can be one of the attraction cities which you can visit to see the village with skyscraper. There you will get unforgettable experiences so that you will not forget what you get from the city. Furthermore, Abel Tasman can be good for you to find the beauty of beaches. There you can relax yourself in the beauty of the water and the sand.</p>
<p>From New Zealand, you are going to reveal the existence of beautiful waterfall in Taupo. Another attraction can be found in Wanaka in which there is pretty view of mountain. You will get a lot more attractions in the country so that after you have great time on vacation there, you can have fresh mind and continue your activities. You will get better performance after the vacation that you have in the wonderful country.</p>
<p>Wenn Sie durch Probleme mit Frauen ein Problem dar, bitten wir Sie, <a title="Viagra kaufen" href="http://viagrasicherkaufen.com/">Viagra kaufen</a> und Schwitzen mehr darüber. Denn wenn du nimmst hinweg Potenz eines Mannes ist ein Mann, hört einfach auf, ein Mann zu sein. so ist es besser, auf der sicheren Seite zu irren.</p>


<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://alcjourneys.com/2011/08/five-top-holiday-destinations-for-you-this-vacation/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Five Top Holiday Destinations for You This Vacation'>Five Top Holiday Destinations for You This Vacation</a> <small>There are numerous vacation destinations in this world where you...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://alcjourneys.com/2012/05/going-on-vacation-to-bulgaria/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Going on Vacation to Bulgaria'>Going on Vacation to Bulgaria</a> <small>A lot of activities that we have bring us to...</small></li>
<li><a href='http://alcjourneys.com/2011/10/get-your-best-vacation-in-montreal/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Get Your Best Vacation in Montreal'>Get Your Best Vacation in Montreal</a> <small>If today you want to have vacation in Montreal, of...</small></li>
</ol></p>
<p>Related posts brought to you by <a href='http://mitcho.com/code/yarpp/'>Yet Another Related Posts Plugin</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://alcjourneys.com/2012/05/beauty-of-new-zealand/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
	</channel>
</rss>

